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Prevent biofouling and lower fuel costs

All ships have some degree of biofouling, even those which maybe have been recently cleaned or had a new application of an antifouling system.

As the oceans have warmed, different species of aquatic organisms are growing faster and faster. This leads to the accumulation of various aquatic organisms on ship’s hulls. It is very costly to have a dirty hull- since it may increase fuel costs by 40 percent with each voyage. Therefore, biofouling on ships is unwanted and needs to be treated effectively.

Biofouling growth

Biofouling on ship hulls is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae and animals. On some ships biofouling is worse, because of the expanded trade and traffic volume. The effects of it have been devastating in many areas of the world. The spread of different aquatic organisms causes an enormous damage to biodiversity. These aquatic organisms are introduced into new environments by ships mainly through ballast water or hull fouling. Moreover, biofouling also causes more fuel usage for ships, which correspondingly produces 40% more CO2 emissions.

Eliminate antifouling paint

On most ships, antifouling is applied. This is a biocidal paint that prevent aquatic organisms from attaching to a hull. Nevertheless, the environmental damage which can be caused by current antifouling systems seems to be growing. Therefore, many countries such as the Netherlands, Japan and Australia forbid the use of antifouling paint. Other technologies- such as the use of ultrasound waves- can prevent the formation of biofouling on ship hulls. This technology ensures lower fuel costs and is safer for the marine ecosystem.